Mystify Crystal Palace News

The quality of the players in the Palace line up has been gradually improving over the past few seasons, but last season was particularly quiet. The club did unearth young full back Eric Deflandre, and youth academy signing Sam Mitchell looks to show some promise for the future, but otherwise the Palace squad was settled throughout the season, with manager Neame merely tinkering at the edges.

The one redeeming feature of last season's poor showing is that Palace will not be competing in Europe this season, which will reduce the stresses on a squad that seems to be lacking in depth when compared with the powerhouses of the league. Palace's first eleven is certainly capable of competing well in the premier division, but there is a lack of depth and a lack of flexibility in the rest of the squad.

After the initial flurry of goals, the game sttled into a more regular rhythm. In the 26th minute Wednesday striker Cakar found the back of the net with a diving header to level the scores. Palace continued to strive for more goals, and their defences became more and more desparate. The second half saw more of the same, with the two teams locked in an enthralling, but ultimately scoreless, arm-wrestle. Palace full back Steve Brown looked out of his depth against quality opposition, and ultimately the referee had no choice but to dismiss him in the 80th minute, when he collected a second yellow card for a poorly timed tackle on Wednesday captain Marc Beckers. With only ten men, Palace were forced to give up hopes of winning the game, but the battled bravely to preserve the point they so richly deserved.

At the post-match press conference, Palace manager Tim Neame was question about his decision to leave talented striker Simone Loria out of a side that was clearly struggling to score goals in the Premiership. "Look, its a long season. Simone is just back from a loan spell at Bristol Rovers, and they worked him pretty hard there. We just wanted to give him a game to get back into the swing of things here before we throw him in at the deep end." Neame was also question over his choice to play Steve Brown ahead his namesake Wes Brown. "There's not many chinks in Wednesday's armor, but I did feel that they were lacking in a bit of experience. Steve doesn't have all the skills, sure, but he has a great footballing brain, and he always gives 110%. He went a bit over the top a couple of times today, but I was happy with his performance. He did everything we asked of him and more."

Crystal Palace manager, Tim Neame, finally put an end to the rumours that have been circulating around the club all week, and announced just before today's game that this would be Niro's last appearance for Crystal Palace. Neame announced that, while the paperwork was still being finalised, Palace had agreed terms with Espanyol. Neame refused to nominate the price being paid for Niro, stating only that, "the numbers aren't important. Espanyol are sending us a player and some cash. We're getting full value for a young man who stands to be one of the superstars of European football."

With his fate confirmed, Niro entered Selhurst Park to rapturous applause from the Palace faithful, as Palace faced cross-town rivals Wets Ham United in the young man's final maqtch. Playing like a man possessed, Niro scored once in each half, and set up Davis for an easy tap in. In an entertaining 6-goal match, Niro was the difference between the two sides, and towards the end of the game several well-dressed strangers were overheard congratulating each other in Spanish.

As has become traditional for Crystal Palace, the final game of season marked an opportunity for a celebration of the contributions of players retiring, as well as a glimpse of the young stars who represent the future. Four players had previously announced their retirements, and Guy Whittingham, Gianluca Festa and Steve Brown were all given the opportunity to represent their club one last time. Also retiring was Gerry Harrison, who has been a handy squad member over the past couple of years, but who couldn't be squeezed into today's team. Despite the expectations around the club, Simon "Jolly" Rodger who returned to the club mid-season, did not announce his retirement. His manager, Tim Neame, refused to be drawn on whether or not Rodger would play on. "Look, Simon feels he still has something to contribute, so he plans to return to the club next year. He understands that there are no guarantees. No matter how much the fans love him, he'll only get a game if he can prove that he's one of the best 11 players at the club. We'll see if he is."

Amidst all the farewells and celebrations, the game was almost a side show. Grimsby, needing a win to seal the premiership, had much more to play for than the home team, who were guaranteed seventh spot regardless of today's result. Despite this, Palace got off to a sparkling start, with young full back Eric Deflandre opening the scoring in the 18th minute. The remainder of the first half was a seesawing affair, but the home fans were startled when Grimsby Markus Lotter drew them level on the stroke of half time. Grimsby manager Jon Brain clearly had an important message for his team at half time, as the visitors came out full of energy, and simply took the game away from Palace. Despite the best efforts of new goalkeeper Keith Ryan, Grimsby were simply irresistable, and eventually the winner came in the 71st minute.